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Libaries and Civic Literacy

From "Socialized Justice: Civic Engagement Teens Want," 10 Essential Programs at PLA 2020, Public Library Association:
Civic engagement is similar to reading in that it is a habit to be built, and young people need adequate and varied entry points to practice these habits. Librarians’ fluency in creating and navigating media and information places our work at a critical intersection with engagement, and can create a meaningful entry point for many young people. As libraries continue to grow active engagement opportunities, librarians can do their work in ways that promote youth using media literacy skills to act—to be a participant in democracy—not a passive bystander. If we want to increase the youth voices working on issues facing this country, let’s talk about how to make the connection between information, media literacy, and participation more clear.

What is Civic Literacy?

From the Youth Urban Agenda/Civic Literacy Project at Wayne State University: "The knowledge of how to actively participate and initiate change in your community and the greater society. It is the foundation by which a democratic society functions: Citizen Power as a check and as a means to create avenues for peaceful change."

From Concordia University, Nebraska: "While civic responsibility is minimally understood as the act of fulfilling duties such as serving on a jury, paying taxes, and obeying laws, civic literacy can be defined in two parts. First, students must understand the role and operation of local, state and national governments. The second component of civic literacy is active participation in civic processes, including elections."

From the Partnership for 21st Century Learning:

Participating effectively in civic life through knowing how to stay informed and understanding governmental processes
Exercising the rights and obligations of citizenship at local, state, national and global levels
Understanding the local and global implications of civic decisions

GenerationNation says that those literate in civics:

Know first-hand how their governments and communities work
Understand civic issues and different points of view
Can intelligently use news and information
Are ready to take an active role in civic problem-solving
Build social capital and join a diverse network of young civic leaders

What Does Civic Literacy Encompass?

Understanding of democracy, government, 3 branches and their powers, checks and balances
Ability to identify one's own elected representatives (local, state, US)
Foundational documents – Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, Bill of Rights, additional amendments
Voter registration, voter rights, how to vote, informed voting
How a bill becomes a law
How to run for office or help someone run
Role of the Supreme Court
Mechanisms and structure of the US legal system
Jury duty, the role of the jury in the legal system
Role of the press/media
Municipal government structures, legislative process at municipal level, role of town committees
Communicating with elected officials
Consciousness about the issues that are most important to an individual and her/his community
Volunteerism/community service
Public service – elected or volunteer
FOIA, public records, archives
Role of the federal government in shaping the economy
Citizenship
Political vehicles for representing public opinion and effecting political change
Engaging in dialogue with those who hold different perspectives
Utilizing non-electoral means to voice opinion (protest, petitioning, surveying, letter writing, boycotting, and so on)
Organizing and demonstrating

And more!

Civic Literacy Resources Online

iCivics
This site, founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, features interactive games and online lessons.
GenerationNation-Learning Center
The Learning Center links to 15 civics literacy curriculum guides, all created in 2019-2020. The project was developed in Charlotte-Mecklenburg by a group of community, educational, and corporate partners.
Think the Vote
This site helps voters learn about issues and understand controversial topics and current events. Fun polls educate while encouraging civil discourse.
We the Civics Kids
This program is designed to enhance and build upon current civic education curriculum through children’s literature and other famous historical texts. Each month, We the Civics Kids shares a list of recommended reading and suggested lesson plans and activities that correspond with a specific civic holiday.
Bill of Rights Institute
Includes many free resources, including short "homework help" videos on topics of American history and economics, Supreme Court cases, and AP US History test prep.
United States Courts - Educational Resources
Includes activities developed around several key amendments and real Supreme Court cases, especially ones that apply to youth.
Center for Civic Education
"We the People" enhances students’ understanding of the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. "Project Citizen" promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government.
CIRCLE: The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement
CIRCLE conducts research and provides resources on on the civic and political engagement of young Americans.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
CRF provides programs and online lessons to educate young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society.

Civic/Social Literacy: Home

Definition

Libaries and Civic Literacy

What is Civic Literacy?

What Does Civic Literacy Encompass?

Civic Literacy Resources Online

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